Self-awareness is key to a successful life. The more you are in tuned with yourself, the easier it is to fix your problems by finding solutions that suit your needs. The easier it is to have laser focus on your goals. The faster you can live a meaningful & purposeful life.
I've been listening to a lot of motivational speakers, mainly entrepreneurs that focus of living a better quality of life. And then, I adjust what they are saying to the
Deen. Turns out, I learnt more about myself in 6 months then I every new about myself before. I'm just evolving into a beautiful butterfly now. Self-awareness is really about clearing your head from all the noise created around you. For example, peer pressure, family pressure, work, passions. And really honing in on you, your likes and dislikes, things you want in life and things you don't want in life. It's really getting to know your true personality. And believe it or not you can change into someone better by simply changing your mindset.
CULTIVATE POSITIVITY! Honestly, I've learnt that I shouldn't care about things/people that bring negativity into my life. In order to find myself, I needed to shut down and be in complete solitude. Away from all the noise. The best decision ever! I've built a wall around me, blocking BS from reaching me.
I'm an introvert. I'm extremely analytical, I can detect patterns and behaviours easily. I'm also an empath. I feel and sense everyone's energy. And I literally feel people's pain. If you are an empath, you have to really protect yourself and take time to recharge. Salaah, dhikr, Istighfar have been a lifesaver for me! I don't watch the atrocities on television or of other social media platforms because it affects me to a whole other level. Not to mention, I'm a very sensitive person. I do not engage in drama, gossip or anything that brings negativity into my life. And that also means cutting ties with people. You already know the saying: Misery seeks company, right? It's unfortunate but people live like crabs in a buckets.
Living the Big city life was a major adjustment for me, negativity everywhere. A real culture shock because its really crowded, and I really dislike crowded areas. Less ignorance lives here, so that a plus. Now I'm better adjusted because I'm more self-aware. Real talk, I suffer from social anxiety. It was the hardest thing to come out and tell my (very few) friends about. Thankfully, they understand me. It's just hard for me to strike up a conversation with someone new. I hate small talk, I enjoy deep intellectual conversations. And yes, I can entertain a conversation with someone of opposing views.
By learning more about myself, I've been able to work more efficiently. I give better therapy treatments to my clients. I now focus better on my goals. It's easier to set my social boundaries. Sure, I need to work on communicating my thoughts more efficiently, but whatever, learn to make excuses for me.
"Just decide what it's going to be, who you're going to be, how you're going to do it"- Will Smith
As for my lifestyle as a practicing Muslim, I would like to make it clear that my religion doesn't slow my process of success in life... Just the ignorance of people does. You may plan, but Allah is the Best of Planners! I've set my standard and made decisions in my life on things I want. It's unorthodox to most but it makes me happy. To some, success comes at price... I'm just not willing to sell my soul for it. I will work twice as hard, be very patient and have peace of mind. I possess a very special and rare quality: Grade A High Quality Awesome Sauce! And I put the sh*t on everything!
Its hard to find someone that adds value to your life, boosts you up when your down. Lends you a helping hand without expecting anything in return. Listens to you, all your troubles, and gives positive & constructive feedback. It's hard to find someone that is willing to instil courage and self-esteem, self-worth, self-assurance in you, make you laugh and see the brighter side of things. It's nearly impossible to find this type of person, genuinely caring, who can do all that and be patient with your nonsense, stick be your side, stick up for you when you're right or wrong and not around. It's hard to find that someone like that, despite the hardships they may be facing alone. Now, imagine having that kind of person in your life and then losing them. Tell me, who is at a greater loss?
In a time where everyone wants the juice, where juice is the first thing to go in the fridge, know that sauce lasts forever... Be the sauce.
Adding value to people's lives doesn't take away from yours, it only adds to it! Adopt an attitude of gratitude, pray, be patient, work hard and trust in Allah's Plan.
Take care & InshaAllah khair
Duni